Kelsey Proud

Engagement Editor

Maria Frank

Kelsey Proud is a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism, where she earned a Convergence (Multimedia) Journalism degree. She has worked at PBS Interactive in Washington, D.C., MSN UK News in London and is a social media enthusiast. Kelsey feels journalism is truly a public service and hopes her work enhances community and reaches those who need information most. Though she's "from" Chicago, Kelsey has also lived in several different regions of the United States, including periods of time in North Carolina, Ohio, New Mexico and Illinois. Her extended family has roots in Boone and Audrain counties in Missouri, too. She is a wannabe chef and globe trekker, former competitive golfer and band-ie (trumpet), and honorary Missourian.

The St. Louis area's newest casino is falling short of revenue projections. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that the River City casino in south St. Louis County is now projected to generate slightly less than $8.2 million in its 10 months of operation this year, and a little less than $10 million in 2011.

The bill is sponsored by GOP House Member David Sater, who owned and operated a pharmacy in Barry County for 30 years. He says it would not bar pharmacies from selling the so-called "morning after" pill, but would guarantee their right NOT to if the owners so choose.

North St. Louis County law enforcement will be stepping up efforts in the fight against drunk driving this holiday season after receiving a grant to purchase a Breath Alcohol Testing, or BAT van. The BAT van helps keep officers on the street to detect more impaired drivers, as opposed to hauling individual arrests to police stations. The van will be shared among the North St. Louis County police departments, including 36 different law enforcement agencies.

As reported by Public Policy Polling, current Missouri Governor Jay Nixon has an 8 point lead over likely election challenger Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder. The approval rating of the Governor is also up in relation to other U.S. Governors -- but not because of the support of his Democratic base.

Three Democratic members of the Missouri House will chair committees next year, despite the increase in power by the Republican Party in that chamber. Incoming House Speaker Steven Tilley (R, Perryville) told reporters at a press conference today that he picked the best qualified lawmakers to head the committees, regardless of party.

The incoming Speaker of the Missouri House is hinting of a battle with Governor Jay Nixon over tax credits. A committee appointed by the Democratic governor has recommended eliminating nearly half of the state's tax credit programs. House Speaker-elect Steven Tilley (R, Perryville) says he has doubts about the accuracy of the tax credit committee report. "My preliminary evaluation of it is (that) they've used false data and incorrect conclusions to come up with the recommendations," Tilley told reporters at a press conference today.